A dog named Baxter sits in the proposed dog park section of Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park in Shreveport in this 2011 photo. File/The Times

We can't say for certain why Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover remains steadfastly opposed to building a dog park at Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park along the city's southern riverfront. We (and there are many others like us) believe that such a project would not only enhance the park, but the quality of life for residents of Shreveport and those in the surrounding region, as well.

And that the matter has finally reached the point of a lawsuit seems to defy the logic of governing. So we have to ask, "Why are we here, Mayor?"

Glover's stated reasons for not entering a cooperative endeavor agreement allowing the city to accept $280,000 from the Red River Waterway Commission to build the project have not varied much since the commission first approved the funds as part of a request made by the Caddo Parish Commission about a year ago.

At that time, he indicated there were other riverfront recreational enhancements that were of a higher priority to the city than the dog park plans.

However, the city's request for Waterway Commission recreational funds were only partially funded.

As we've said before, the projects Glover sought to secure funding for are worthy ones. Enhancements to RiverView would make the venue much more applicable to special public performances, as well as daily recreational activities.

Specifically, included among Glover's preferred riverfront projects were a cover for the stage at RiverView Park as well as the addition of restroom facilities so people using the park would not have to cross Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway to use the public restrooms at the base of Festival Plaza.

That said, from this side of the show, it seems like there may be a little bit of political pouting taking place. Unfortunately, the dog park - and the funds to build it - are being held hostage despite the unanimous support of the city council, as well as a significant number of individuals in the community who stand behind the Shreveport Dog Park Alliance.

Last week, Cynthia Keith on behalf of the Dog Park Alliance filed a lawsuit that seeks to compel Glover to sign the agreement and ensure its execution.

"We're just asking him to follow the law," said Daniel Keele, attorney for the alliance. Last fall, the city council directed the mayor to enter into the agreement. Glover vetoed the action. The council overrode the veto. And there we stood, at least until Thursday when the lawsuit was filed.

The facts are simple. Fact: The $280,000 is there for the city's use in this project. Fact: The funds only can be used for this project on this riverfront property. Fact: The city council unanimously agreed the city should do it. We believe it would have been better if our city's top leader could have found a way to move forward on this matter in a less dictatorial fashion.

After all, compromise is not a bad word.

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Dog park won't go quietly into the night

It would have been better if our city's top leader could have found a way to move forward on this matter in a less dictatorial fashion.